Kathy Scharp of Russian Ballet Theater, winner of the Big Leap Award. Photo by Chris Asadian, Ann Arbor News
Welcome To Think Local First
TLF Events & News
Welcome New Members!
Why Think Local?

The Eyrie is a Michigan artisan market located in Ypsilanti's historic Depot Town, next to the Sidetrack Bar & Grill. Featuring over 180 Michigan artisans' work; including photographs, greeting cards, jewelry & accessories, paintings, pottery, blown glass, unique home decor and much more. Call at 734.340.9286 or visit theeyrie.net.

Shop Local – Support local businesses by doing your shopping with them. Did you know that 
  • every $100 you spend at a local business creates $45 in ongoing local economic activity, via recirculating in our community and reinvestment in our community?
  • When $100 is spent at a non-local chain store, only $15 stays here.
  • each locally spent dollar recirculates 2 more times before leaving!
To quote author Michael Shuman, "Going local does not mean walling off the outside world. It means nurturing locally owned businesses which use local resources sustainably, employ local workers at decent wages and serve primarily local customers. It means becoming more self-sufficient and less dependent on imports. Control moves from the boardrooms of distant corporations back into the community where it belongs."

Learn more from the American Independent Business Alliance
 
Our mission is to support and cultivate locally-owned, independent businesses in Washtenaw County, Michigan that are committed to making our community a healthier and more vibrant place to live.
 
Think Local First provides resource sharing and community building opportunities for locally-owned independent businesses as well as raising community awareness and developing strategies for supporting these businesses.
 
Learn More About Us Here
Think Local First
Washtenaw County, MI
Welcome to our website!
We use this platform to share our story and those of our members. Please take a look around and tell us what you think, as we are committed to providing the best user experience possible. Send questions or comments to Executive Director Chris Good  at [email protected].
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Sustaining Members

Think Local First 2015
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Video
Taste the Local Difference program launches

Think Local First is partnering with Taste the Local Difference to bring this innovative local food program to Washtenaw County.

Click to Learn More